Means for transporting men and/or material



Jan. 36, 3.945. K, W. COUSE ET Al.

MEANS FOR TRANSPORTING MEN AND/OR MATERIAL Filed Oct 50, 1942 15 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VEN TORfi Jan. 3%, 11945. K. W. COUSE ET AL MEANS FOR TRANSPORTING MEN AND/OR MATERIAL 15 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 30, 1942 a V v Yrwemm- 21 7525 20 11 62/1612 jam 3%, E945. K. W. COUSE ET AL MEANS FOR '1 RANSPORTING MEN AND/OR MATERIAL Filed Oct. 30, 1942 15 Sheets-Sheet Jan. 3@, i945 K. w. cousE ET AL 2,363,283

MEANS FOR TRANSPORTING MEN AND/OR MATERIAL Filed Oct. 30, 1942 15 Sheets-Sheet 4 1945- K. w. cousE ET AL MEANS FOR TRANSPORTING MEN AND/OR MATERIAL Filed Oct. 50, 1942 15 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jan. 30, 1945. K. w. COUSE ET AL 2,368,288

MEANS FOR TRANSPORTING MEN AND/OR MATERIAL Filed Oct. 50, 1942 15 Sheets-Sheet 6 Jan. 30, 1945. I

K. W. CQUSE ET AL MEANS FOR TRANSPOR'IIING MEN AND/OR MATERIAL Filed Oct. 50, 1942 15 Sheets-Sheet 7 Jan. 30, 1945. K. w. cousE ET AL MEANS FOR TRANSPORTING MEN AND/OR MATERIAL Filed Oct. 50, 1942 15 Sheets-Sheet '8 Jan. 30, 1945.

' K. w. COUSE ET AL MEANS FOR TRANSPORTING MEN AND/OR MATERIAL Filed Oct. 30,, 1942 15 Sheets-Sheet 9 Jan. 30, 11945 K. w. COUSE ET AL MEANS FOR TRANSPORTING MEN AND/OR MATERIAL Filed Oct. 30, 1942 15 SheetsSheet l0 mm R Jan. 30, K W COUSE ET AL MEANS FOR TRANSPORTING MEN AND/OR MATERIAL Filed Oct. 30, 1942 15 Sheets-Sheet ll qu W Jan. 30, 1945. K. W. COUSE ET AL 2,363,288

MEANS FOR TRANSPORTING MEN AND/0R MATERIAL Filed Oct. 30, 1942 15 Sheets-Sheet l2 Jan. 30, 1945. K. w. COUSE ET AL' 2,368,288

MEANS FOR TRANSPORTING MEN AND/OR MATERIAL Filed Oct. 30, 1942 1.5 Sheets-Sheet l3 Jan. 30, 1.945. K. w. cousE ET AL MEANS FOR TRANSPORTING MEN AND/OR MATERIAL Filed Oct. 30, 1942 15 Sheets-Sheet 14 Jan. 30, 1945. K. w. COUSE ET Al. 2,368,283

MEANS FOR TRANSPORTING MEN AND/OR MATERIAL Filed Oct. 50, 1942 15 Sheets-Sheet 15 Patented Jan. 30, 1945 MEANS FOR TRANSPORTING MEN AND/R MATERIAL Kibbey W. Couse, Joseph E. Young, and Robert M. Sutphen, Newark, N. J., asslznors to Course Laboratories, Newark, N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Application October 30, 1942, Serial No. 463,974

9 Claims.

This invention relates to ways and means for transporting men and/or material from some central station or depot to various places, some of which may be remote from said station or depot and impossible to reach by ordinary transportation means. The means and methods of operation to be hereinafter described are especially adapted for use in warfare, although not necessarily limited thereto.

In the past, materials had to be loaded at the airport which meant that trucks had to be used to carry the materials from the supply depot to the airport. This required loading the trucks at said depot, then unloading them at the airport and reloading the materials onto the planes; and similarly rehandling the materials at places available nearest their point of destination with the ordinary means of transportation then available. This required handling the materials or supplies several times, resulting in loss of time as well as confusion.

From the description which follows, it will be readily understood that the principal object of our invention is to substantially obviate all of this rehandling and confusion and to render the distribution from the main supply depot to the point of destination rapid and orderly.

In attaining the principal object, other ancillary objects willbe observed from the following specification taken in connection with the annexed drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a plan of the general scheme or method of transporting men and/or material from a central station, depot or warehouse to distant points where these men or supplies are required, as for example, in war maneuvers.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of one form of transportation means.

Figure 3 is a plan View of the aeroplane shown in Figure 2.

Figure 3a, shows a view of the front portion of the supply structure removed from the aeroplane.

Figure 3b shows the rear portion of the supply structure as removed from the aeroplane.

Figure 3c shows the two supply structures, 3a and 3b, combined as a unit separate from the aeropane itself.

Figure 4 is a view of the side elevation of the aeroplane shown in Figures 2 and 3, in flight.

Figure 4a shows the aeroplane of Figure 4 with the landing gears extended and the aeroplane about to land.

Figure 5 shows the aeroplane of Figure 40 as landed, ready for the next step in the procedure. I Figure 5a. shows the next step in the procedure or the disconnecting of the central portion shown 5 in Figure 3 to the positions shown in Figures 3a and 3b.

Figure v6 shows the tail end of the aeroplane raised so that the supply structure, Figure 3b, may be removed and passed under the tail group or stabilizer.

Figure 6a shows the aeroplane in its lowered horizontal position, ready to remove the forward supply structure shown in Figure 3a.

Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6a, but shows the supply structure, Figure 3a, removed therefrom.

Figure 7a shows the aeroplane of Figure 7 in its position ready to take oil.

Figure 7b shows the aeroplane of Figure la in a further stage of taking off.

Figure 8 shows the aeroplane in full flight position ready to go back for another load of supply units.

Figure 9 is a side view of the combined supply units as illustrated in Figure 3c traveling under their own power to carry the men and supplies to the point where they are to be used.

Figure 10 is a somewhat schematic sectional view about on the line iii-l0 of Figure 3, showing the running wheels of the supply structure forming the entire unit, the wheels being in what may be termed their first position after these units are removed from the main wing of the transporting aeroplane.

Figure 10a is a View similar to Figure 10, but showing the parts in a succeeding step in the removal operation.

Figure 10b shows the parts of Figure 10a moved to a further step in the removal operation, the final step of the supply unit being shown in Figure 7 and the combination of the two, after removal from the main carrier plane, being shown in Figure 9.

In the figures so far described, the mother or transportin plane shown is of the low-wing ype.

Figure 11 is a view on the line li-l I of Figure 11a showing a mother or transporting aeroplane which is of the mid-wing type.

Figure 11a is a top plan view of Figure 11. Figure 12 is a view on the line l2l2 of Figure Ila showing steps positioned so entrance and exit may be made to the forward and rear i 2- portions of the supply units while positioned on the aeroplane.

as shown in Figure'll.

12a isa viewoi' the-forwardsupply unit 1" Fi ure 12b. i a i w 91 m ghtan nd ot i Figure;'i2a withcertain"partsopenedijup'foriac cess to theinteriorgi;

'Figure 13 is avie'w simil ing modified forms of supply units whereinonly doors are furnished on the units U and U which units are utilized only for ca rying cargo. Figure 13a is a top plan view of Figure 13. Figure 14 shows the central portion of the wing of the transporting aeroplane notched out to receive the ends of the supp y units which are carried on the wing. v

Figure 15 is a view. on the line lI-ll of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a plan view of the forward supply unit such as shown in Figure 12a with a portion cut oil on the dotted line 18.

Figure 17 is a view similar to the right-hand end of Figure 16, but of the rear supply unit.

Figure 18 is a view of a portion of Figure 14 in the direction of the arrow it.

Figure 19 is a view of the mother or supply aeroplane with the supply units indicated in dotted position. but showing the ramps that are illustrated in Figures 10, 10a and 101:.

Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing a. tri-motored plane and four of the supply units carried by the plane.

Figure 21 is a view showing a single supply unit carried over the wing instead of under the wing.

Figure 21a is a front view of Figure 21.

Figure 2112 is a view similar to Figure 21 but showing how to get-the unit on and 08 the wing.

Figure 21c is a perspective view of a combination cover and ramp plate.

In the drawings, wherein like numbers'refer to corresponding parts, Figures 1 and 1a illustrate diagrammatically the general scheme or plan of transportation which is shown more in detail in the succeeding figures.

In Figure 1, S and S are general supply stations or depots which may be located at some railroad terminal or wharf at which place men, materials and supplies are landed for distribution. The problem then is to get these men, materials and supplies distributed as rapidly as possible to the places where they are needed, whether these distances be near or relativly far away. To solve this problem we have evolved the use of an aeroplane in which specially constructed supply units are provided and arranged in such a manner that they may be loaded at the depot and driven to the airfield under their own power andthen readily and quickly attached to the aeroplane for transportation elsewhere.

- Leading away from the, supply station S are one or moreroads I, and from 8', one or more roads 2, these roads leading to some airfield A, it being understood that the aeroplanes required for this service are of relatively large size andin probably all cases would be unable to get anywhere near the supply stations. Therefore the supply unit must of itself be operable to convey its load to the plane which is to take it elsewhere.

Illustrated in Figure 1, are two loaded supply units 3 and l traveling to the airfield A. The unit 5, as illustrated. is an empty unit and may be going to some supply station not shown. Similarly. the supply unit 0 is empty and on its way ii sh'ow- 1 aseaass mm a su'pply depot. At 1 are illustrated two supply units such as 8 and 4 which have arrived at the aeroplane and are ready to be attached thereto in a manner to. be hereinafter described. At ois indicated an aeroplane which has arrived eta-the airfield' withiempty supply units. At] is v ustratedan'a'eroplane traveling with'loaded supply to some point of distribution. At

J! is illustrated 'a high-speed aeroplane without anysupply load which may be used for directing the service. At 1 l is indicated an aeroplane returning to the airfield with the supply units partially filled with men returning or parts requiring replacement or repair.

f! is an aeroplane similar to 8 on its way back tothe airfield. it illustrates an aeroplane which has just discharged its loaded supply units. At 4 l4 empty supply unitshave returned to the aeroplane for transportation back to the depot for further supplies. II and I8 illustrate fully loaded units on their way to their destination, while it and I8 illustrate empty units on their way back to an aeroplane as illustrated at l4. l8 illus- .trates a pair of the supply units Joined together as a single structure as will be hereinafter described.

In Figure 2 we have shown an aeroplane with dual motors P, P' and a main wing W. Between the parts P, P and carried by the main wing W.

are two supply units U and U. The units U and U differ in shape to conform to general aeronautical deslgn. In Figure 2. the wings of the aeroplane are dihedral from the center which assists in holding the units U and U ,in position centrally between the parts P, P of the plane. These units U and U' may be constructed in various ways. One may be designed to carry different kinds of supplies, while the other may be designed as a machine shop, in which latter case, if a lathe is used, it is placed as nearly as possible over one of the spars of the wing: or both units may be designed to carry diflerent kinds of supplies. It may be noted that each of the aeroplane parts P, P' is arranged to carry pilots.

The units U and U are provided with retractable, wheels and with driving mechanisms such as found in certain types of automotive vehicles, and are operable as independent vehicles as shown in Figure '7, and very diagrammatically in Figure 1. The manner in which these units U and U are attached and detached from the wing of the aeroplane is exemplified in Figures 5 through 7 inclusive, which last figure shows the forward unit U, while Figure 6 shows the or places inaccessible to the ordEary transportation means.

The withdrawal of the units U and U from the wing W of the aeroplane is diagrammatically illustrated in Figures 10, 10a and 10b. In these figures, ramps R and R are parts carried inside the units U and U, and after the aeroplane is in position for disconnecting the parts U and U, these ramps are placed in the position indicated in Figures 10, 10a and 10b. It is to be understood that the parts U and U', when in the position of Figure 10, are securely bolted. together so that they will not move longitudinally away from each other. After the holding bolts or fastening means, which may be of any satisfactory type, have been removed, the units U and U are moved off the Wing W under their own power, 'it being understood that the unit U is removed first, as indicated in Figure 6, and then the unit U removed as shown in Figure 7. It will be noted that as the units U and U are moved off the wing W, the wheels and 22 are supported in such a manner by their respective hydraulic cylinders 24 and 25 as to keep the units U and U in a horizontal position. In loading, the operations are reversed from those Just described with respect to unloading.

In some cases the units U and U may be connected together either rigidly or flexibly as shown in Figure 9, and operated from either one of the engines in one of the units; or, if suitable gearing is used, both engines may be utilized in driving the combination, in which case, the exhaust i provided to come out of the bottom at the junction of the two units.

Figures 11 and 11a illustrate a mid-wing type of aeroplane in which the units U and U can be pulled off and slipped back on to the wing under their own power, without the use of any ramps. The means for holding the units to the wing in this construction is illustrated in Figures 14 to 18 inclusive.

In Figure 14 the leading edge of the wing has a recess 29 and recess 30 in the front spar to receive the lugs 3| on the unit U. Both the units U and U are provided with projecting .portions 32 and 33 forming an opening 34 which allow the parts 32 and 33 to overlie the opposite sides of the forward edge of the wing. The arms 32 and 33 are provided with fastening means 35 which engage cooperative means 36 on the rear or unit U for fastening the units together.

Figure 17 shows oneend of the unit U which is constructed similar to the end of the unit U. At the junction of the two units the wing is reenforced by the member 31. It will be noted that the part 33 of the units U and U are provided with engine exhaust opening means 38. However, when the units are hooked together for operation, the exhaust from their respective engines must be taken care of in other ways than those already mentioned.

One such way is indicated'by lines 39 as shown in Figure 16, and provision made for a side exhaust.

In Figure 12b, it will be noted that the doors 40 and the sides 4| are open for access to the ,interior. It will be noted that in the construction of Figure 12 an operator may easily walk from one unit to the other through the medium of the steps 42, while the aeroplane is on the ground.

It will he understood that the material or cargo-carrying units shown in Figure 20 are similar to those already described.

In Figure 21 the single unit'U is shown carried on the top of the dihedral wing W. To get the unit U which is shown in the form of a self-propelling automotive vehicle, over or onto or off the wing W, combination cover-andramp plates and 46 are utilized. These two devices are of the same general design, only the one numbered 46 is somewhat longer than the forward one 45, and the contour is slightly different.

The manner of using these devices 45 and 45 is illustrated in Figure 2117 wherein they are shown as ramps which are placed and temporarily attached to the wing W by hooks or clamps so that the unit U may be driven on over or off the wing W. After U 'has been moved into the position shown in Figure 21b, then the whole plane itself is raised by the raising and lowering mechanisms heretofore referred to so that the wheels of the unit U are lifted off the ramp 45 and 46. The ramps are then disconnected from the position shown in Figure 21b and are placed in the position shown in Figures 21 and 210, where they then function as streamlined covers.

After the covers or ramps 45 and '46 have been placed in position as shown in Figure 21, then a streamlined filling section 41 is fastened into place. Also, there is fastened into place, a somewhat wedge-shaped member 5| over the forward part of the wing W, and a somewhat similarly shaped member 52 over the upper rear part of the wing, thereby securely anchoring the unit U in place on the wing. It will be noted from Figure 21c that each of the members 45 and 46 has oppositely disposed longitudinal impressions 48 and 49,150 form wheel guides 50 therebetween. It will be understood from this construction that the unit U may be of any satisfactory size and the whole unit utilized for quick transportation of commanding oflicers or urgent material.

In the claims, wherein the expression delivery service is used, this is to be interpreted to mean taking men and materials to or from an aeroplane, either at the supply station or at some place near where they are to be utilized. Furthermore, in the claims where reference is made to transporting the sinews of war, this is to be interpreted as a generic definition for men, food therefor, war supplies or materials of all kinds.

It will be obvious from the drawings that many changes in detail can be made without departing from the spirit of our invention or the scope of the appended claims.

What we claim is:

1. Means for transporting the sinews of war comprising, an aeroplane having a plurality of spaced power units with associated fuselages with cooperative parts and a main wing extending across the fuselages, a pair of automotive vehicle self-propelling, road-type units adapted to slide over said plane wing, one from each edge of the wing, into abutting relationship to each other, means for detachably fastening them in position on the wing between two of said fuselages, each vehicle unit having its own power plant and control mechanism for driving the unit from a sinew supply station for loading or unloading to the aeroplane field, and from the aeroplane distribution point to or from some place not accessible to the aeroplane.

2. Means for transporting the sinews of war from a supply depot to some distant place comprising, an aeroplane having a special wing construction and a pair of road-type vehicle units each having its own power plant and control mechanism, whereby the units may be driven to a supply depot for loading and then driving them to the aeroplane, the special wing construction comprising recesses in opposite edges of the wing and further recesses in the wing spar, while each of said units has projections extending into said recess when the units are slipped over the wing. with means for locking the units in tandem relationship to the aeroplane wing. one unit in front and one behind the wing for transportation therewith to a desired place and for detachment from the wing for delivery of the units to some place where. the sinews may be utilized. i

3. Means for transporting the sinews of war as set forth in claim 1, further defined in that each 01' said units has vertically spaced pro- Jecting portions forming an opening therebetween to receive an edge or the plane wing, and cooperative formations in the wing spar and said opening ior intermeshing the unit with the wing spar, and means on said projecting portions to fasten the two units together.

4. Means for transporting the sinews of war as set forth in claim 1, further defined in that each of said units has end formations ior fastening the units t gether while on or oil the plane wing.

5. Means ror transporting the sinews of war comprising, an aeroplane having a single wing with spaced power units and associated ruselages and at least one automotive vehicle unit for delivery service between a supply station and an airfield, and for delivery service at the consumption end beyond the capability of the aeroplane to deliver, and means for attaching and detaching said vehicle unit directly to and over the greater portion oi the top and bottom sides of the wing 01' the aeroplane for bodily transportation therewith.

6. Means for transporting the sinews of war comprising, an aeroplane having a plurality of spaced power units with associated tuselages, each with a pilot room and other cooperative parts, and a single main wing extending across the fuselages, self-propelled, road-running type of automotive vehicle' means carried by the main wing and having substantial parts extending clear across the top of the wing, said unit acting, when removed from the wing, for delivery service between a supply station and an airfield, and for delivery service at the consumption end beyond 8 the capability of the aeroplane to deliver, and means releasably connecting the vehicle to the wing or the aeroplane between the ruselages at the leading and trailing edges oi! the wing ior bodily transportation with the aeroplane to and from some place inaccessible to the Plane.

7. Means for transporting the sinews of war including an automotive vehicle oi the road type and an aeroplane, said vehicle being mounted over and across the wing of the aeroplane, and aerodynamic resistance reducing means attached to said vehicle forwardly and rearwardly or the aeroplane wing to act as streamline devices during flight, said last-named means comprising Parts each adapted to be temporarily attached atone end to the wing or the aeroplane to act as ramps for moving said vehicle on and oi! the aeroplane wing, said parts being formed so as to guide the wheels of the vehicle during the loading and unloading operation.

8. Means for transporting the sinews of war including an automotive vehicle of the road type and an aeroplane, said vehicle being mounted over and across the wing of the aeroplane, and aerodynamic resistance reducing means attached to said vehicle around the lower part 01 the vehicle wheels and extending forwardly and rearwardly 01' the aeroplane wing to act as streamline devices during flight, said last-named means comprising parts each adapted to be temporarily attached at one end to the wing oi the aeroplane to act as ramps for moving said vehicle on and on the aeroplane wing, said parts being formed so as to guide the wheels of the vehicle during the loading and unloading operation.

9. Means for transporting the sinews 01' war as set forth in claim 8, further defined in that additional means are provided for streamlining the wing between said devices.

KIBBEY W. COUSE. JOSEPH E. YOUNG. ROBERT M. SUTPHEN. 

